History of Relief Society: Barbara Woodhead Winder

Barbara Woodhead Winder

1984-1990

To see Barbara Woodhead Winder's testimony click on link below

Barbara Woodhead Winder's testimony

The controversy over the proposed Equal Rights Amendment of the 1970s had divided American women. The 1980s brought more tolerance. “It is a time to heal,” said Sister Winder, “a time to bond women to women and women to men. We can have unity in diversity and diversity in unity. We don’t have to be like one another to enjoy sisterhood.”

Barbara learned early through her own experience the value of Relief Society visiting teaching and how its emphasis on serving each other could bless lives. She had been married 11 months when her first baby was born. “One day, just after we had brought the baby home,” she recounted, “I had a very high fever. Richard was at work. I had no car, no phone, and I was terrified.” Thankfully, her visiting teachers stopped by and were able to get her the help she needed.

During Barbara’s administration, the general offices of the Young Women and Primary were moved into the Relief Society Building. The auxiliaries would no longer work separately but together through the priesthood to address the needs of the children, young women, and adult women of the Church. The presidents of the auxiliaries traveled together to other countries for the first time. In difficult circumstances, letters and telephone calls became acceptable methods of visiting teaching.

Barbara was released as general president when her husband was called to be the president of the new Czechoslovakia Prague Mission from 1990 to 1993. The Winders served as the leaders of the Family History Center missionaries and later as the first president and matron of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple from 2002 to 2004.

“It is vital that each sister have visiting teachers, to convey a sense that she is needed, that someone loves and thinks about her. But equally important is the way the visiting teacher is able to grow in charity. By assigning our women to do visiting teaching, we give them the opportunity to develop the pure love of Christ, which can be the greatest blessing of their lives.”